Much research had been put into breeding disease free and resistant varieties as well as producing a seedless strain. Over the last decade many different cultivars have become available which produce mature fruit within 3 to 4 months of planting. The fruit can be eaten cooked or raw in various different ways. The fruit is a rich source of vitamins C and A, and is low in fat and sodium. The thick rind can be used to make pickles or sweet konfyt. The watermelon rind contains the amino acid citrulline and the pulp contains lycopene and carotenoids. The seeds can be ground and roasted as they have a nutty flavor of which are favored by the Chinese.
History
During the 17th century Giovanni Stanchi found the watermelon plant growing wild in southern Africa. During the early 19th century the plant was thought to be indigenous to tropical Africa. Now native to north and West Africa is the Citrullus colocynthis which is thought to be the wild ancestor of the watermelon. On the basis of the chloroplast DNA testing it is suggested that the wild and cultivated watermelon is independent from a common ancestor which may possibly be the C. ecirrhosus South West Africa. The seeds of the watermelon have been discovered in the Pharaoh Tutankhamen tomb and at twelfth dynasty sites. There is also mention in the bible that watermelon was a food eaten by the Israelite's while in bondage in Egypt. Slaves from African and European colonists introduced watermelon into the new world and since then watermelon virtually grows in almost every country. Today China is the largest producer of watermelon in the world.
The Active Properties of Watermelon
Give your body an energy boost and quench your thirst during summer months with antioxidant lycopene and vitamin A. Watermelons are truly nature's gift of which the delicious juice is rich in water and electrolytes. They are very low in calories and contain very little fat. They provide numerous health benefits as melons are filled with antioxidants and phytonutrients that are essential for optimal health. A 100g of fresh watermelon provides 569 mg of vitamin A which is an essential vitamin for immunity, healthy mucous membranes, skin and vision and protects from cavity and lung cancers. Watermelon is rich in antioxidant flavonoids such as zeaxanthin, lycopene, cryptoxanthin, lutein and beta-carotene that offer protection against endometrial, pancreatic, colon, lung, breast and prostate cancers. The phytochemicals such as carotenoids and lycopene found in watermelon protect the cells as well as other body structures from oxygen free radicals. The fruit offers a good source of potassium, magnesium, pyridoxine, thiamine, vitamin C and magnesium.
Major Health and Medicinal Benefits of Watermelon
• Heatstroke Prevention - watermelon is effective in reducing both blood pressure and body temperature. In tropical regions most people eat the fruit during the summer months in the heat of the day to protect themselves from heatstroke. Watermelon contains 93 percent water and when eaten stimulates an excess liquid release in the form of perspiration that further cools the body hot during very hot weather.
• Cancer Prevention - in more recent year's watermelon has drawn attention due to its impressive levels of lycopene which is a carotenoid phytonutrients compound that has been linked to preventing cancer. Years of studies have revealed that lycopene reduces the risks of breast, lung, endometrial, colon and prostate cancer. In addition to the impact of lycopene, the vitamin C and antioxidants makes watermelon a substantial anti-cancer fruit.
• Kidney Disease - watermelon has large amounts of potassium that helps wash and clean out toxic waste from the kidneys. Potassium also reduces concentrated forms of uric acid in the blood that in turn reduces any renal calculi forming and kidney damage. The high water content in watermelon induces frequent urination which helps to keep the kidneys clean. Watermelon ensures good kidney health as well as reduces age and sun spots on the skin, premature aging and wrinkles.
• Cardiac Care - lycopene is well known for improving cardiac function and beta carotene for its anti aging and antioxidant properties which has been found to prevent age related cardiac diseases. The potassium in watermelon limits the risk of a heart attack as well as helps reduce cholesterol that prevents any heart related incidence.
• Diabetes - watermelon is an excellent supplement for diabetic patients that have to abide by low staple diets. In spite of watermelon being sweet there are very few calories as round 99 percent of the fruit total weight comprised mainly of roughage and water. The various minerals and vitamins such as magnesium and potassium aid proper function of insulin which in turn lowers blood sugar levels considerably. Watermelon contains arginine which effectively enhances the impact of insulin on blood sugar. The rind of the watermelon which has virtually no sugar content is great for making salads and curries.
• Macular Degeneration - if you eat plenty of watermelon you need never worry about eye health, as the vitamin C, zeaxanthin and beta carotene will protect the eyes from macular degeneration and age related blindness. The antioxidants in watermelon will protect your eyes from drying and from glaucoma.
• Aching Muscles - recent studies have shown that drinking watermelon juice before participating in athletic sports or workouts reduces muscle aches and the heart rate. Watermelon is rich in an amino acid known as L-citrulline which is converted to L-arginine an amino acid that improves circulation and relaxes blood vessels. Studies also determined that intestines cells are able to absorb larger amounts of citrulline from the juice of a watermelon as opposed to citrulline supplements, especially when the juice is fresh.
• High Blood Pressure - potassium and magnesium found in watermelon has proved beneficial in lowering blood pressure. Potassium is a vasodilator that releases the tension of arteries and blood vessels and in turn stimulated increased blood flow and reduces cardiovascular stress. Carotenoids prevent hardening of the veins and artery walls and reduce blood pressure. The carotenoids in watermelon lessen the chances of atherosclerosis, strokes, blood clots and heart attacks.
The Side Effects and Toxicity of Watermelon
It is extremely rare that one can develop an allergy to watermelon. The seeds are not toxic if eaten accidentally. Consuming large amounts of watermelon may cause side effects due to some of the vitamins and amino acids present in watermelon. Watermelon contains vitamin A and C, B6, potassium and phytochemicals such as citrulline and lycopene. Large amounts can present with nerve and cardiovascular disorders as well as digestive problems. Although watermelon is considered safe when consuming more than 30 mg of lycopene one can experience side effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances. One may also experience intestinal disturbances such as indigestion and bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. People that have high doses of potassium in their blood known as hyperkalemia should not consume large amounts of watermelon as they may experience a weak or absent pulse, irregular heartbeats and large doses of potassium can affect muscle and nerve control. A slice of watermelon or 3 cups contains around 560 mg of potassium. According to urologists, 560 mg is far too much for people suffering with serious kidney disorders. One cup of watermelon contains 176 mg of potassium.
Conclusion
This lusciously sweet fruit requires honeybees for pollination and is also a member of the cucumber family. Watermelon is packed with valuable vitamins such as vitamin A and C and a prize photochemical lycopene which helps neutralize harmful free radicals and is an anti inflammatory which protects bones. Citrulline, another photochemical that converts to arginine protects the immune system and heart and can prevent type 2 diabetes as well as prevent obesity. These particular phytochemicals remove toxins and ammonia from the body. Watermelon is one fruit that most people have no trouble eating and is a favorite among adults and children.
